Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University has introduced a new major in Climate Sciences through its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). This program combines elements from the atmospheric sciences and sustainability studies to equip students with the knowledge needed to address climate change. SoMAS Dean Paul Shepson emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the program, stating, “We are building a program about climate change, so we want to draw on intellectual content from everyone on campus. The solutions to climate change are about human decision-making.”

The major is now available for selection in the Undergraduate Bulletin for Spring 2025. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of both scientific and socio-economic aspects of climate change. Brian Colle, professor and head of the Atmospheric Sciences Division at SoMAS, noted, “This major will help prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow that we need to address climate change.”

The introduction of this major aligns with Stony Brook's recent initiatives to expand academic offerings related to climate careers. In April, Stony Brook was named an anchor institution of The New York Climate Exchange, which focuses on advancing climate solutions and career opportunities.

Additional programs include an accelerated BS/MPH in Climate Change and Human Health at Stony Brook Medicine, a climate concentration for MS in Science Communication students at the School of Communication and Journalism (SoCJ), and a Climate Solutions minor at SoMAS. This minor examines intersections between climate change and various fields such as human health, social sciences, economics, business, and engineering.

Shepson remarked on the university's approach: “The university should not operate like a mosaic of silos,” adding that degrees should reflect interdisciplinary collaboration. He further stated his commitment to societal usefulness: “A passion of mine is helping universities reach their potential to be useful to society and create leaders for the future.”

Students can choose between SoMAS’s Climate Sciences major or the more multidisciplinary Climate Solutions minor. The latter offers three specialization paths: natural sciences, engineering, or social sciences and humanities.

Mark Lang from SoMAS highlighted student enthusiasm: “There’s an enthusiastic energy associated with those that love this planet and want to protect it.” He added that combining these courses fulfills long-standing student desires.

Stony Brook will begin accepting students into this new major starting in the fall semester.